'SA's success must be Africa's success' - Radebe

MINISTER OF Public Enterprises, Jeff Radebe, delivered a keynote address to the IAPH conference in which he told delegates that the successes of South Africa must incorporate the African continent. "We are starkly aware that we cannot be an island of prosperity within a sea of poverty.
"A crucial element of the African Renaissance is the continent's ports, as they are the economic link between Africa and the rest of the world."
He told delegates that port infrastructure investments amounting to US$600 million were planned for the next two years.
"We are currently preparing the ports for the introduction of private sector operators. The awarding of concessions for port operations is likely to commence in January 2002."
He said that South Africa would not however endeavour to improve its infrastructure and operations of its ports in isolation from the continent.
Radebe said that the SADC Protocol compelled member states to bring about convergence in port policy and operations in order to enhance the efficiency of the region's port systems.